Like Seeds of Wheat

20 / Sun  | Read 1 Corinthians 15:37

Overview: We wrap up our gardening series with the resurrection. It’s like seeds of wheat that are buried, then they come to life looking completely different than the seed that was originally planted. And they grow forever.

27 / Mon – Legendary  |  Read Acts 7:22-36 / John 12:24

Moses was a well-educated, powerful member of the royal family, but at age 40, his failed efforts to help his people, the Israelites, resulted in exile to a foreign land as a simple shepherd for 40 years. In a sense, he died. He lost all power, influence, and self-confidence. Only then could God use him to fulfill His ultimate plan for Moses, and it left an amazing legacy that still impacts us today. Are you passionate about something you know God wants you to do? Have you failed so badly that you’ve given up hope? Good. When you ‘die’ to your own efforts, God can finally use you.

28 / Tue – The essence of eternal life  |  Read John 17:3 / Hebrews 1:1-3 / 2 Corinthians 4:4

Eternal life is a big part of a Christian’s hope. It is often viewed as the place you go when you die, and you will live there forever, which is true, but notice Jesus’ description in John 17. Eternal life starts here and now. The better you know God, the more His eternal life flows into your inner being and out into your life. How do you get to know Him better? As it says in Hebrews, all you need to know about God is found in Jesus, who is “the exact representation of His being.” Start there.

29 / Wed – Risk with no guarantee of reward  |  Read Esther 4:6-16

Esther could have ignored what God wanted her to do. She could have stayed silent and safe in her ‘ivory tower.’ That was her initial reaction. Yet, she counted the cost of possibly losing everything, even her life, and risked it all to be obedient. She ‘died’ to her own understanding, to her desire for safety, and resolved to take the action that was needed (v16). You know the rest of the story. God saved her life, her people, and her position of influence. What are you willing to risk if God calls you to do something that has costly implications?

30 / Thu – Cracked pots  |  Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Paul is a great hero of the faith. His life story inspires many to share the good news far and wide as he did. But it cost Paul greatly. His own words give a few details of what his life was like as an emissary of Jesus Christ. He had been well-respected as a godly Jew when Jesus turned his life around and was then rejected by his own people. Here, he likens himself to a clay jar carrying a great treasure. What about you? Don’t regret the cracks in your clay jar. They are what allow God’s Spirit to shine out over someone else to give them hope.

31 / Fri – It’s only temporary  |  Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The challenges of life can be very distracting. Often it is in the hard times that discouragement or even despair creep in, even though we know that life is not fair and that some day it will be made right. In the meantime, what can you do? Take the long view. Everything here is temporary. What seems to be wasting away in your season of life? The natural result can be sadness, grief, or even anger. What will you fix your eyes on? When looking up seems impossible, ask for help.

AUG 01 / Sat – His joy gives strength  |  Read John 15:11 / Psalm 16:11 / Nehemiah 8:10

Happiness that fades when circumstances change is not joy. You cannot create true joy. It is the result of the Holy Spirit at work in your heart and mind, giving you His perspective. Jesus also promises to give you his joy when you can’t find your own. Spend quiet moments in his presence, and he’ll meet you there. Remember, too, that you give him joy and bless him when he sees you doing his will. Making him happy can give you the strength to carry on. Where do you need joy today?